…a lifestyle blog telling the stories that make up my life with five girls and one boy and a husband who tags along.

Category Archives: FF

I’ve been driving back and forth out of town a weird amount lately and my car doesn’t allow me to hook up bluetooth and Danny hates me and never renewed our Sirius XM subscription. So know what I do? I listen to stuff on my iPhone with ear buds. Only a little bit dangerous, so I make sure to make it safe and only use one ear. I mean, I’m not reckless.

This week’s Friday Favorites is all about podcasts. My introduction to podcasts was a couple years ago when Serial was really popular. It was popular for good reason. If you haven’t listened, you totally should. And when you’re done with that, here are my next top five:

#1. This American Life

Ira Glass hosts this weekly podcast with NPR. I’ve always been fascinated with people’s stories. I think everyone has a story to tell and while some parts of people’s lives are boring and mundane, everyone has something interesting to say. In This American Life, listeners hear stories from people in lots of different situations and scenarios. I always finish up the podcast being really happy I took the time to listen. I always learn something new or have a new perspective on things.

#2. Phoebe’s Fall

I love true crime podcasts. Wait — I love good true crime podcasts. So many narrators sound as if they’ve never spoken before in their lives. I’d probably sound the exact same way. Super scripted and rigid instead of conversational and easy to listen to. This podcast flows really well and chronicles the death and investigation of a Melbourne woman who was found, dead, at the bottom of a garbage chute in an apartment complex. It’s relatively short and each of the episodes are only 25 minutes long or so, so it’s easy to listen to and it doesn’t get too long and boring.

#3. ARRVLS

Arrivals is a podcast focusing on people’s stories about change and transformation. The stories are usually pretty intense and deep but really interesting.

#4. Women of the Hour

Because Lena Dunham.

#5. TED Radio Hour

I LOVE TED radio hour. Each episode focuses on a specific subject (food, trust, originality, etc) and incorporates 3 or 4 different TED talks and interviews into it.

I only chose 5, but I have 10 in my feed – some are funny, some are scripted series’, some are news-like, some have to do with kids, some have to do with food, there is a podcast for everyone. Next time you’re getting ready for a long trip, take some time to explore podcasts and download enough to fill the time.

There’s a chance you thought Friday Favorites was gone forever. If you follow me on Snapchat (if you don’t, why? ruthieprasil) you might have caught a glimpse of a video in which I announce it’s coming back. If you had your phone on silent because video snapchats drive you insane, I don’t blame you — but you’re missing out.

Anyway, Friday Favorites are back, but I’m going to be doing them in a more theme-like style. This week my Friday Favorites are all about women’s Instagram accounts.

I follow lots and lots of people on Instagram and I find myself regretting it once I see 5 or 6 in a row that try and suck me into a game of “tag a friend, like this pic and follow the link for the next entry!” But my very favorite Instagram accounts come from people who have a very low Selfie to Normal Picture ratio (if you have 1 selfie for every 5 – 10 non-selfie picture — and I’m talking about a true selfie, one that is JUST YOU in the picture, not you and your kids or you and your husband/wife —- then you need to re-evaluate), take really beautiful photos, and captions that make you think, but not too hard. Here are my favorite 10:

Baby Boy Bakery.

The Rural Roost.

Ascot Friday.

Shay le Gauche

Wild and Free co.

Old Joy.

Boardbooks and Beige.

Under the Sycamore.

Ali Hynek.

Pamela Baron.

All of these women have beautiful feeds. You’ll never feel judged by what they post. You’ll never feel like they want you there just so they can sell you stuff. You’ll feel like you know them (which is a strange feeling if you don’t actually know them — thanks, social media) and you’ll find yourself interested in their lives, what they have to say and rooting for them when things might get rough, when they take on a new adventure, and when big things happen. Check them out and happy Friday!

I’ve neglected my Friday Favorites, I know. I used to do it religiously every Friday and it was kind of put on the back burner. You know, being a very successful blogger with a giant following is harder than you might think. I mean, that’s what I hear at least. But here we are again with some of my faves.

I know that everyone goes bananas for Freshly Picked and they’re super cool right now (and I agree, they are super cute and I love them!) but I’m kind of digging what Ben and Gellie has. Simple and sweet designs and not as expensive as some brands that have gotten uber successful and now sell in Nordstrom.

She does cute bows, too, and the moccs go up to size 1.

2. I love our Crosley turntable. I use it everyday and I feel way cooler listening to records than listening to iTunes and anything that can make me feel cool, I’m in.

3. Holy Moses, my friends. Lodegepole in Moscow (Idaho) is incredible. We took some friends up last week to celebrate (late) Danny’s birthday and we all kind of moaned as we ate our food it was that good. The gnocchi was so buttery and rich and the braised beef they put in with it (they change it up every so often) was perfect. Danny had steelhead he said was delicious and Tobe had steak. All good. But I want to talk about their appetizers. If I’m going somewhere new, I like to do a little taste test and pretend that if I say, “I’m gonna blog about this,” to the waitress it will make a difference. No one ever cares, nor do they ask about my blog. Which, maybe they should, because one of these times a very successful and famous blogger might be eating at their restaurant, but I suppose that’s another topic of conversation we can get into later. Back to the apps, I like to try a bit of everything. With six people, it’s completely doable and not weird at all so I did it.

The tostadas were bomb. The onion rings? Perfection. Apparently the pickled deviled eggs were good but I wouldn’t know because I wouldn’t try them if I was paid. Unless anyone wants to pay me to be their food blogger, then I’d try them. All I’m saying is to make a reservation stat.

4. For Christmas, Danny got me a pair of Lululemon pants with mesh sides and I wasn’t sure about them at first. Let’s just say showing off more of my skin than is absolutely necessary isn’t what most people want to see at the gym. But I love them. They are cool and not see-through at all. They fit perfectly and someone told me my legs looked tiny in them the other day so that’s the real reason they’re my favorites.

5. I might have forgotten to tell you guys, but we’re Patagonia people. What I mean by that is we have friends who are actually Patagonia people and we want to basically be just like them so any time they have hand-me-downs (remember Little Alice?) we try to act cool about it, but we might just accept a little too excitedly. Patagonia jackets, though, are the best. They are the perfect weight and the perfect warmth.

6. Once upon a time, Ruthie was in junior high and had an obsession with the X Files. She may or may not have written to David Duchovny and received an autographed photo and she may or may not have watched every single episode and wished desperately for Scully and Mulder to just get together already.

Diana is my best friend (So I’m doing math here. She is my best friend’s best friend’s best friend. Simple elimination says she’s my best friend) who lives in San Francisco and is quite the photographer. When I was told she was coming to town, I booked a session with her about 10 minutes later. Not a joke.

She came to our house and stayed for about an hour and took pictures. She took some posed, but mostly candid, lifestyle shots and when I saw them, I was beyond happy. This picture is a perfect example. Each of us is doing our own thing (Franci nursing, Ollie dancing, Jamie reading back there, the girls in the front playing and Danny and I watching) and she captured our family beautifully. How she can convey emotion through the shots is incredible and I can say without a doubt these are my favorite photos ever. If you are in San Francisco or anywhere close, look her up and book her.

Okay, so maybe I’m shuffling things around and what used to be called “What They Wore Wednesday” is, for today, “Wednesday Favorites” because if I am being honest with myself (which I’m trying to be a little more often), I want no one to witness W(th)WW.

So today, we view some favorites.

Wild Fox sunglasses. You guys, if I had a dime for every time I got complimented on these sunglasses, I’d buy each of you a pair. Or at least one of you. Or at least pay the shipping on a pair you buy yourself. My point is, I’d make some money because that’s exactly what these sunglasses are: MONEY. I love em.

Kortni Jean swimsuits. I’m not sure if you all are aware, but high-waisted bikinis are completely in this summer. Which is pretty much the best news ever for a mother of 6 who is quite close to losing baby weight but will never lose the stretch marks or the loose skin (of which there is plenty). Kortni Jean has the cutest mix and match patterns and colors and the next time I find a $100 bill on the street, I’m going to buy a suit.

Question: When is it not party time? Answer: never. It’s always party time. Ban.do has become one of my favorite brands for all things fun and spunky. SPUNKY. Off-beat, things you wouldn’t expect. Things like “party time” headbands and pencil cases that say “I’m very busy.” They’re my favorite for tumblers and headbands and coffee mugs and accessories.

Where was I when Parenthood arrived on television? I’m not sure where I was or why I didn’t jump on that train each time I saw a Facebook status about “last night’s episode.” Tara mentioned that she started watching it and I rarely let my friends get away with doing something cool and not joining in, so I definitely started watching it on Netflix, too. HOOKED. Will Crosby and Jasmine ever get back together? Will Alex relapse? KRISTINA IS PREGNANT?!?!??! so much happening in my life their life right now.

Shook Twins. Danny and I went to see them a few weeks ago at LCSC for the Dogwood Festival and I was sold after their first song. They’re cute as can be, incredibly talented, and it’s the kind of music that makes you feel at home. Does that make sense? Listen and it will.

Coconut shrimp tacos. Patrick and Lily took me to a Mexican restaurant in California that served coconut shrimp tacos and I was surprised at how delicious I thought they were. So then I started trying to make them at home and they weren’t quite as good as the ones in Cali, but they were pretty freaking good.

I’m actually looking forward to going down to McCall and seeing the snow thanks to these puppies. The booties are crazy-comfortable and the jacket is fitted so it’s not dumpy looking (which is easy to happen on a short and not-stick-thin girl like me with a puffy coat). And warm.

Buxom mascara:

I was blessed with long and thick eyelashes thanks to the mom. I don’t normally wear mascara, but when I do, this is my go-to nowadays. It’s not too thick and it doesn’t clump at all. It’s clean and puts out just the right amount of oomph.

Clean perfume:

When I wear perfume, I usually feel super self conscious like everyone can smell me from miles away. With this set, the scent is subtle and perfect. It doesn’t attack and the “warm laundry?” It seriously smells like laundry that has just been taken out of the dryer. I like.

Freshly Picked keepall bag:

I received this for Christmas and I’m currently carrying around some nursing pads, healing balm, L’Occitane hand cream and Mustela face wipes in it. The leather is SO soft and it’s a perfect size.

Lalabu soothe shirt:

I’m so glad I took the plunge and ordered a soothe shirt. It fits snugly so I don’t have to wear a cami under it (I wear a cami every single day). It’s easy to use while nursing and Franci fits in the pocket tight enough that I can wear her in it while grocery shopping and it’s a godsend. Every new mama needs this.

Alison’s Cookie Party

I’ve always wanted to know how to flood cookies. Oh, sorry, that means cover the entire cookie in a thin and smooth layer of frosting in the biz. Because I’m totally in the biz now thanks to Alison’s Cookie Party. In this online course, she gives her recipe for both cookies and frosting and does the entire process on video so you can actually see how it all comes together. Super helpful.

And that’s it for now. New moms have little time for favorite things that don’t revolve around their nipples, their baby’s poop or clothes that don’t make them still look 6 months pregnant. So I’m signing off.

It’s been a while since I’ve done a post like this. I like lists a lot. So here we go.

1. Egg Wipe Cloths

Because no one likes bloody and poopy eggs. Fresh eggs are bomb. CLEAN fresh eggs are even bomber. Here.

2. Frye Flats.

I’ve been obsessed with these from the moment I saw them. I’m lucky and got them for my birthday. Go get lucky yourself and snag a pair because you’ll wear them every day.

3. Clinique Lip Color

Last week, I needed about $10 in Clinique product to qualify for the free gift. I’m a sucker for free gifts, that needs to be said. So I went ahead and picked one of these lip colors. GOOD CHOICE, RUTHIE. I love it. It’s in between a lip gloss and a lip stick. It’s not heavy at all and it shines just a tad. Buy it here.

4. Veggie Wraps

I have been starving mid day lately and I like to pretend to be healthy so I started making veggie wraps for lunch. Mmmmm, I’ve perfected the “pretending to be healthy” wrap. Observe:

– Tortilla

– Chive cream cheese spread (whipped)

– Taco Time ranch

– orange and red bell peppers (julienned)

– cucumbers

– onions (diced)

– lettuce (shredded)

– provolone cheese

Do it. It’s so delicious.

5. Gerber Graduates Meatballs and Chicken Nuggets

oops, this is definitely a pre-packaged, processed meal for my young child. I suppose if I was being honest with myself, in the time it takes me to write this post, I could have made a million tiny turkey meatballs and frozen them for Olive and we could have avoided the poison that is pre-packaged foods. But this mama needs her blog time, so Olive will just have to do with graduates meatballs. She loves them. They smell disgusting and they say they are for kids ages 2+, but she handles them like a champ.

6. Lavender Plants

I have a feeling I am going to go crazy with lavender plants this year. My friend Amber gave me one as a hostess gift a couple weeks ago and since then, I’ve purchased 4 more. Because nothing smells better than lavender in your yard and I’m pretty sure it’s calming and has magic powers. Boom, I’m sold.

7. Blondies

Last night my parents had us over for pizza and then my mom pulls a quick one and brings out these HOME MADE blondes (not the ones pictured, that’s straight off google images) with the most delicious buttery, sugary sauce to go over the top and ice cream. There’s a really solid chance that I offered to take couple plates to the sink so I could stop at the blondie pan and clean up the crumbs around the edges. SO GOOD.

I have a love/hate relationship with Friday Favorites (FF). Hate is a strong word. I should say I have a love/annoying relationship with it. After many Fridays of passing along my genius finds I’ve realized I need to get out more. And that annoys me because I’d rather not have realized that about myself. It’s getting harder and harder to come up with a list of new favorites for y’all. <—— (saying y’all reminds me of Sadies shirt…)

But I love it because I am always on the hunt for new and unique and fabulous and incredible products so when I find something worthy to make my FF list, I get pretty giddy.

You guys, this is my life. Murr.

So without further ado, I present to you my faves:

The Paddywax “Library” collection:

I believe I have shared with you my love of Paddywax. I may or may not sell them through Umba. But this isn’t even a ploy to get you to buy my stuff!! I got this through my recent Umba Box (it’s not offered through Umba) and fell in love. Mine was “Oscar Wilde” but there are so many scents to choose from including “Jane Austen” pictured above. They are fresh and clean but with a hint of old and well-read. I totally just made that last note up, but go with it. Get them here.

Seacret Salt and Oil Scrub:

I recently hosted a Seacret/Umba party with my friend Panda who is a rep for Seacret. I’m going to confess something here: I wasn’t really sold on Seacret when I first talked about hosting this joint party. I thought, “Dude. Overpriced skin care. I can get that at Nordstrom.” (Which, look at my skin, I obviously don’t.) So when I get to Panda’s house, she has these bowls set up with water and a whole collection of products. Duh, I was getting in on that action.

Truth: I loved every product. There is this stuff that you rub on your face and it eventually flakes off and it makes you feel like a disgusting human being for approximately 10 minutes. But then after you use it your face is SO SMOOTH and feels so clean that your feelings are suddenly transformed into feelings of being a celebrity. And then you go through a few more skincare steps and your skin feels even better. But my favorite is the salt and oil scrub mostly because I can use it in the shower and it doesn’t really involve a lot of time or effort but it leaves my skin feeling so smooth and so soft. You can buy it here.

House of Cards:

Honestly, I wasn’t sure how I’d like this Netflix series so it took me a long time to start it. I’m not really that into politics, I don’t understand how a lot of it works, so to watch an entire series about it wasn’t really appealing. But then everyone and their dog was talking about how awesome it was and we all know I can’t be the only one missing out on a cool thing, right?

I started it and I couldn’t stop. Holy cow. It’s intense and disturbing and suspenseful and Kevin Spacey is awesome in it. Start it now.

Plated:

My friend Tara posted about plated on her blog and said that if I wanted to try it, to order through her because then we’d each get some free plates out of it. I love free stuff and love it even more when that free thing is delicious.

So here’s the deal with plated: you sign up and look at their weekly menu (they have a ‘land,’ ‘sea,’ and ‘veggie’ option) and order as many plates as you want. They ship the ingredients — all of them — pre measured, pre portioned right to your door along with recipe cards that have pictures of each step of the recipe. So, say, you ordered the pollock with brussels sprout hash. They would send you the fish, the brussels, tiny packets of pre-measured spices, whatever veggies it calls for, breadcrumbs, oil, you name. You are usually required to provide the water (obvi) and maybe an egg sometimes. Salt and pepper usually to taste. But it’s SO EASY. At $12 a plate, it’s not the cheapest dinner option but it’s cheaper than eating out! Check it out here….and order through me so we each get free stuff!!

Flappy Bird:

Because this is what I need. One more pointless thing to become obsessed with. Flappy Bird is a game you can play on your phone and it is terribly addicting. You have to tap your screen to guide this round weird bird through obstacles. Each obstacle you get through counts as a point. I was SO pleased with my score of 34 and then Dan has to go and screen shot me a pic of his high score — 52!!! What the heck does he do all day?!

Rompers for girls:

We are all familiar with 1 piece outfits for babies and toddlers, nothing especially cute or fun about those, am I right? But I’ve recently been a little bit into rompers for big girls — like Maria and Alice’s age. And maybe, secretly, my age too. I think they are SO comfy and so adorable and I may or may not have just ordered Alice a denim romper with pockets. And she’s definitely going to rock that fash like it ain’t no thing.

Kat Von D eye liner:

I rarely wear eye makeup, but when I do it’s limited to mascara and eyeliner because I have no skills in the makeup department. None. This eyeliner is so easy to apply because the brush is SUPER thin and easy to use. It’s also waterproof so it stays on allllll day long.

Cafe Lights:

I can’t stop thinking about Spring. Maybe because I hate winter and the weather that comes with it. It feels like it’ll never get above 55 degrees. So to help myself get through this hard time in my life, I think about how I’m going to spend my Spring and Summer days and most of those plans involve sitting on our deck under cafe lights. *sigh*